FCC Police Academy to provide new officers for Fresno Police Department
FCC Police Academy graduation, July 4, 2009.
The Fresno Police Department has been awarded a $10.2 million federal grant. According to The Fresno Bee, the funds will prevent 15 current officers from being laid off and will allow for the hiring of an additional 26 officers. Chief Jerry Dyer expects these new hires to come from the Fresno City College Police Academy.
The news highlights the close ties between the Fresno Police Department and the Academy. “The Fresno City College Police Academy has an outstanding relationship with all (local law enforcement agencies),” said Richard Lindstrom, FCC Police Academy director. “It serves us well in many areas.”
A recruitment training officer, provided by the Fresno Police Department, oversees all Academy instruction. The officer acts as “mother of the class,” according to Lindstrom, providing discipline and counseling. The officer further provides a “bird’s eye view of every cadet in the academy,” Lindstrom said, by which the Fresno Police Department can evaluate potential candidates.
“The primary thing we instill here is integrity. It is absolutely necessary when dealing with the public.” – Richard Lindstrom
FCC Police Academy Director
The advisory committee for the Police Academy is composed of local chiefs and sheriffs who guide and recommend the direction of instruction. It is another way the Academy and local law enforcement work together to develop the most effective officers.
All instruction is “above and beyond what is required by the state,” Lindstrom said. It includes a strong focus on character. “The primary thing we instill here is integrity,” Lindstrom continued. “It is absolutely necessary when dealing with the public.”
Other emphasized qualities include dependability (a commonly overheard aphorism: “it’s better to be an hour early than a minute late”) and pride in appearance and demeanor. Lindstrom calls it “maintaining a professional bearing.” Cadets must carry this professional bearing wherever their career leads after graduation.
Even with the Fresno Police Department planning to hire additional officers, Lindstrom recognizes the impact of the poor economy on reduced hiring of law enforcement agencies. But he remains hopeful, and sees the close ties of the local agencies with the Fresno City College Police Academy as a continued asset. “We support them,” he said, “and they support us.”
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